The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued their strong preseason performance in a close loss to the Detroit Lions. Find the most important takeaways here.
Through three preseason games, there have been many positive takeaways for Tampa Bay. That trend will continue after their convincing showing against the Detroit Lions
In the warm-up for the regular season, the Buccaneers starting units unquestionably outplayed the Lions. Although the Lions went home with a 33-30 win, Tampa Bay was in control throughout the first half.
The Bucs offense was clicking and came away with two touchdown drives in the opening half. While the secondary had a tough time stopping Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford, it held steady when it mattered most.
In the red zone, the Tampa defense stood tall. They may have had their mental mistakes and allowed some chunk plays, but keeping the opposing team out of the end zone is an excellent first step.
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A performance like Friday night’s by the defense will keep the offense in the game. Allowing quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jameis Winston to not play from behind will make them extremely hard to slow down.
With all of the weapons at their disposal, the Tampa offense may be in for a special 2018, especially if their performance versus the Lions is any indication.
Near-perfect quarterback play
No matter who was under center, the Buccaneers offense has been unstoppable in the preseason. Tampa Bay quarterbacks have completed 69 percent of their passes, compiled 714 yards and have thrown four touchdowns without an interception.
All night the Lions defense had a hard time slowing the offense down. Even with a banged up offensive line, each passer was able to hang tight in the pocket and deliver strikes down the field.
With Winston missing the first three games, Fitzpatrick displayed why he has been in the league for so long. He moved through his reads and systematically drove down the field.
Also moving up the depth chart in Winston’s absence will be Ryan Griffin. The third-string quarterback has been unstoppable in the preseason. While he hasn’t taken an NFL snap in his career, the coaching staff has to be pleased with their depth at quarterback.
Although he saw his first NFL action, it was a rough night for the undrafted rookie Austin Allen. He was clobbered on multiple occasions and wasn’t able to generate any offense behind an exhausted offensive line.